The future of work and how to survive hybrid working
Get used to remote working, better your communication skills and time management for increases productivity
Text: Puja Bharwani
Many lessons were learned last year about work: the way we approach it, balance it and waste time on it doing the likes of commuting and travelling overseas for meetings that could have taken place on Zoom. What started as mandatory remote working that we all had to adapt to due to the pandemic has resulted in a complete mindset shift. We have all garnered a new self-awareness about increased productivity, time management and managing technology effectively. What does this mean for the future of work?
The future of work is here: hybrid working
As we prepare for the world to open up, not everyone is looking forward to going back to pre-Covid times. A lot of us, including me, have gotten into what I like to call “the hybrid life”: each week is balanced between working in the office, working from home or remote working in another location. This pattern is working really well for me and I feel more energetic and engaged in all I do. I know I’m not alone.
If your work life is going to be “hybrid” from here on in, here are some ways to ensure that your flexible schedule is one where productivity levels remain high, burnout is kept at bay. Read on.
Be more human in your communication skills
To succeed in this hybrid working world, you need to collaborate and communicate remotely through technology, sincerity, and respecting the nature of the cultures you work with. If this means dressing (at least your top half) and looking “work ready” it’s the bare minimum you should do to ensure a mental shift when you’re in work mode in a home living space. We’ve all had shorts on hiding from view on Zoom, but now’s the time to move forward!
Encourage conversation
The communication of your ideas should not be through your slides, it should be about how clearly and concisely you deliver ideas, followed by a conversation afterwards. Video meetings aren’t the same as being in the same room as others. You need to be even more “human” than usual; exaggerate gestures and enhance your voice and tone so others feel like they are not just interacting with a screen. If you have a work meeting with a colleague for the first-time, I’d always suggest meeting face-to-face so long as it’s safe to do so.
Realistic scheduling for increased productivity
Poor time management and the inability to prioritise tasks leads to anxiety and exhaustion. Remain realistic about how much you can do and how much time you need for different tasks. If the mornings are your sharpest and most productive, block that period for work that involves creation, writing and working on projects that require higher levels of focus. The self-awareness of your ability to complete tasks within a certain period of time, while factoring in moments where you’re not going to perform at an optimum level is important. It’s similar to scheduling workouts — if you know you’re not at your best in the evenings, don’t workout then!
Decompression periods
Inadequate decompression periods between working leads to poor productivity and a diminished quality to your discussions. Be realistic and give yourself at least 15-minute breaks which consist of a coffee, a snack or doing some meditation away from your screen. Mix up your day by having external meetings, and schedule a movement break instead of a lunch break. Short breaks can make a huge difference to your focus and increase productivity.
Embrace levity
Levity helps manage the current “groundhog day” situation we are all in. I believe that weaving humour into the professional world has value and can improve communication and relationships. According to research in a recent Harvard Business Review article, leaders with a sense of humour are seen as 27% more motivating and admired than those who don’t joke around. So, the next time you want to crack a joke in a business meeting (as long as it’s not offensive), go for it! The world has been serious for a long time now.
About the author
Puja Bharwani is The Soothe’s Health Innovation Advisor. As well as being the regional head of marketing and PR at global VC Antler, helping startup brands to thrive and host of the Antler VC Cast, Puja is the founder of What’s The Story, an initiative whose mission it is to empower entrepreneurs to craft a powerful narrative for customers, investors, and their personal brand. Previously a journalist with Reuters in New York and Singapore, the mother of three is passionate about companies championing mental health, fitness and nutrition, femtech, healthtech, and strongly believes that every individual can create their own path to entrepreneurship and leadership, minus burnout.
